Anthony Romero and Mike Breeden understood the UFC had been watching them closely, even before the invitations from Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) arrived.
Tuesday evening, Canada's Romero (7-0) and the United States' Breeden (8-2) each intend to demonstrate why they earned the organization's interest when they meet in a lightweight matchup during Week Four of DWCS in Las Vegas, NV.
Having missed last season of DWCS due to contractual commitments with another promotion, alongside several close brushes with short-notice UFC call-ups, Romero, 23, acknowledged that his moment was inevitable.
"Last year really opened my eyes to how the path to the UFC, to that next level, was becoming available," Romero told MMA Empire in an interview.
"I was slated to appear on the show last year, but contract complications with my previous organization prevented that, which essentially set things in motion. I also had chances to step in on short notice; I was on that 'list' prepared for a last-minute call. I was simply on their radar, waiting patiently, continuing to fight, and staying ready at the right weight."
Breeden, 31, echoed similar sentiments — believing his moment to shine on MMA's biggest stage was just around the corner.
Before a spectacular finish in his most recent outing, Breeden recalled being on the short list for a UFC call once, but afterward, phone calls kept coming.
"Following that flying knee knockout, I had three other instances where I nearly got pulled in at the last second, but they didn't materialize," Breeden explained in an interview with MMA Empire.
"On one of those occasions, I was actually selected, but I couldn't cut down to weight because the notice came just two days prior — requiring me to drop 18-20 pounds along with an 18-hour flight. Had I been able to make the weight, I likely would've signed with the UFC right then and there. But here we are, and we'll still get there."
Romero appreciative of the moment
With the long-awaited opportunity finally within reach, Romero described it as the kind of pressure that fuels his best performances.
He noted that reaching the UFC represents the ultimate aspiration for every fighter, and he's eager to pursue that dream Tuesday night.
"It's a massive opportunity that countless people are chasing. Every fighter, or at least most of them, want to join the UFC. You don't often find athletes competing purely because they enjoy the sport," Romero remarked.
"This is it — this is precisely what I've been anticipating, and I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for the chance."
Previous competitors who have secured UFC contracts on DWCS have succeeded through a combination of thrilling, high-level abilities displayed prominently before UFC executives.
Romero feels confident that his approach, both inside and beyond the octagon, aligns perfectly with what the organization seeks.
"I have a distinctive style — I can control fights on the mat, I can control them striking, and, as my last bout demonstrated, I can end fights," Romero stated.
"Fighting alone isn't enough anymore, which can be frustrating since many fighters previously gained exposure simply by being exceptional. Today, marketability to fans matters just as much. Speaking two languages gives me an advantage. My fighting style speaks for itself."
Heading into his most recent victory at Ohio Combat League 7, Romero carried two finishes on his record — a knockout and a submission.
He extended that tally with a swift first-round knockout over Jacob Miller to claim the Ohio Combat League lightweight championship, and he views it as confirmation of his finishing ability.
